If you’ve received an email telling you it’s time to renew your TSA PreCheck® membership, you might be wondering: Is this legit, or is someone trying to scam me out of my money?
With online scams on the rise, it’s always smart to be skeptical. Phishing schemes are becoming more sophisticated, and fraudsters love to target frequent travelers who rely on TSA PreCheck to breeze through airport security.
So how can you tell the difference between a real TSA renewal notice and a scam? And with new enrollment options available, what’s the best way to renew? Let’s discuss.
The Truth About TSA PreCheck Renewal Emails
In a recent inquiry, a viewer named Ben reached out after receiving an email prompting him to renew his TSA PreCheck membership for $70. His gut reaction? It felt like a scam. And honestly, that’s a fair assumption—scammers often use fake government notices to trick people into handing over sensitive personal and payment information.
But in this case, Ben’s email was legitimate. TSA PreCheck renewals are handled through authorized enrollment providers, and official renewal notices are sent via email when your five-year membership is about to expire (TSA PreCheck Official Site).
The TSA has recently expanded its list of official enrollment providers, allowing travelers to choose between different companies for enrollment and renewal.
How Does TSA Know It’s Really You?
When you first applied for TSA PreCheck, you provided your email address as part of your enrollment. That’s why, as your renewal date approaches, you’ll receive an email notification prompting you to renew.
Still feeling uneasy? You don’t have to rely on the email link. Instead, here’s a safer way to renew:
- Go directly to the TSA website. Type tsa.gov/precheck into your browser.
- Find the renewal section. YYou’ll be redirected to one of the official enrollment providers, depending on your preference.
- Select a provider and verify your details. TSA now works with three companies—IDEMIA, Telos, and CLEAR—each offering different pricing and locations.
- Complete the process. Pay the appropriate renewal fee, and once approved, your membership will remain active for another five years.
By taking this approach, you avoid the risk of clicking on fraudulent links, which could lead to identity theft or financial fraud.
New TSA PreCheck Enrollment and Renewal Options
The TSA has expanded its PreCheck enrollment providers to give travelers more options. Here’s a breakdown of the current choices:
- Enrollment Fee: $76.75
- Renewal Fee: $58.75 (online) / $66.75 (in-person)
- Best For: Travelers who want the most widespread access to enrollment locations
2. Telos
- Enrollment Fee: $85
- Renewal Fee: $70 (online or in-person)
- Best For: Those who prefer in-person verification without a lower-cost online renewal option
3. CLEAR
- Enrollment Fee: $77.95
- Renewal Fee: $68.95 (online) / $77.95 (in-person)
- Best For: Frequent travelers who already use CLEAR for airport security
Each provider offers different pricing and convenience factors, so travelers can choose the option that works best for them.
Signs of a TSA PreCheck Scam Email
An example of a fraudulent TSA PreCheck renewal email. Photo by CBS 17 News
While the official renewal emails from TSA PreCheck providers are legitimate, scammers send fake versions all the time. Here’s how to spot a scam:
- Suspicious email address: Official TSA renewal notices come from @universalenroll.dhs.gov, @clearme.com, or @tsaenrollmentbyidemia.tsa.dhs.gov. If the email comes from a random Gmail, Yahoo, or misspelled domain, it’s likely fake.
- Urgent or threatening language: Scammers try to create panic, saying your PreCheck status will be canceled immediately if you don’t act. TSA gives you ample time to renew.
- Links that don’t match: Before clicking, hover over any links to see where they lead. If they don’t match tsa.gov, universalenroll.dhs.gov, clearme.com, or telosid.com, don’t trust them.
- Requests for extra personal information: TSA PreCheck renewals never ask for your Social Security number, banking details, or cryptocurrency payments.
If you ever receive a suspicious TSA PreCheck renewal email, report it to your local police department and the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
The Bottom Line
TSA PreCheck is a huge time-saver for travelers, so keeping your membership active is worth the renewal fee. But before you click on any email link, take a few extra seconds to verify its authenticity.
- Best practice? Go straight to tsa.gov/precheck and renew from there.
- Still unsure? Visit a TSA Enrollment Center in person.
- Think you received a scam email? Report it to law enforcement and the FTC to help stop fraud.
A little skepticism goes a long way in protecting your personal and financial information. Stay sharp, stay safe, and happy travels!
